#oh AND there's a variation of the dash attack where when you speed up you can do a jump attack for extra points of damage PLUS get them to

[gu6chan]

My hot Drakengard take of the day is that after playing it for like 110 hours and counting im very much convinced that ppl who still complain about the gameplay being a "slog" just aren't playing the game correctly. you can hate me for this but you will not change my mind

[thebigshotman]

SPAUL NEO POST

(Just general information about Spaul’s version of the NEO body and what he can do with it and what it does to him! It’ll be under the cut to save space on people’s dashes)

The body is made of very durable material, like some cheap, Dark World version of platinum. The wings are simply made of metal and are more of a grandiose gesture than anything, so they’re pretty easily damaged. There’s a little compartment that his head came out from when he first got loaded into the body.

As for how his body changes, his hair mostly stays the same. But it’s longer and made of kenku feathers. His glasses become his eyes, no longer capable of creating marbles, but he can still slightly squint with them. He can change how much light they emit, basic light is about flashlight (for him) sized. Clawed hands and bird feet shaped metal boots. Oh, and his smile never goes away in this form.

There’s like, a version of his original body in a chest cavity around where the triangle on the stomach is. Since the LoadedDisk sucked in his entire body when he was transferred into it, this is where he ended up once the disk was put in the machine. It’s strung up by the same green strings the body is held up by, and it’s essentially the “battery” for NEO’s personality and attacks. Everything else is up to the strings. You could try to carve through the cavity to remove Spaul by force, but…

His voice becomes very Max Headroom-y. On top of his usual speech patterns, his voice will randomly get higher or lower, as well as slow down or speed up. Stuttering is also more common, especially when experiencing high emotions. But in exchange, his normal voice, when it isn’t affected by anything, gets a lot clearer. It sounds like a more monstrous version of his original Addison voice.

NEO suffers from constant hallucinations and power-highs. When he isn’t delirious under his own power, Spaul’s either seeing the worst moments of his life in full color in front of him or watching the strings seemingly twist around him more and more. It’s the body, with how much power it draws out, doing this to him. Nothing else.

His attacks and things are pretty similar to the ones in the game, not too many variations. However, when his eye beams are at full brightness, he can flash them like a strobe light to temporarily disarm and startle opponents. Afterwards, they emit no light for a while. That’s the only unique thing really.

Essentially, he’s not himself in this body, corrupted by the hallucinations and trying to accomplish his goals despite the strings. However, offering to make a deal or engaging in sales banter with him could bring him back, if just a little. Especially if you’re someone he knows…

And that’s my version of NEO! I hope you all like it; let me know what you think. I might do an event with him in the near future, towards the end of the month or so, so get ready for that!

[yopalonso]

Arle Nadja for Smash Bros.!

THERE’S A PART TWO NOW!

Ever since the introduction of the concept of a Smash Bros. Ballot, I’ve always been an advocate of three choices for Smash DLC: Bandana Waddle Dee from the Kirby series, Sora from Kingdom Hearts, and Arle Nadja from the Puyo Puyo games. Today, I’ll use every effort to make a moveset for the one and only Arle Nadja. Now, allow me to daydream a little bit and think of how my favorite female protagonist ever could be included in my favorite crossover fighting series of all time.

This will encompass mostly her whole moveset, and we will draw inspiration from the whole series. Yes, the whole series. Whenever the “Works like” part details another move, that’s only so that the motion of the attack can make sense in your head. Buckle up, because this will be a long read. Hope you’ll stick ‘till the end...! But before that, we need to address something else.

いっきまーす ！

Número 0: Archetype, movement, and... To Puyo, or not to Puyo?

People are quick to say that Zelda fits the Magical Girl archetype in Smash Bros., I assure you that. I don’t think so. Despite her using magic on her moves, she’s not quite representative of the more happy type of magical girl that Arle fits in best.

In terms of how she would move on the field, well, she would be average. To put it simply, she would be below Mario in terms of movement speed and jump height. Having her as a floaty type wouldn’t suit her that much, considering she’s pretty quick and snarky. But she can’t be a fastfaller either, c’mon, she’s not that fast. Besides, having her this way works greatly to introduce her as a not-so-complicated fighter, well-balanced and all that.

Arle, in terms of raw power is quite capable. But her base level cannot be overpowered. In fact, she could be a character type that depends fully on comboing to unleash her full strength, because at base level, she could work like base Joker: capable, yet feeble and not too powerful. #foreshadowing

Now, whenever people think of Arle, most will be quick to draw a link to the puzzle series Puyo Puyo, which is absolutely normal. So, when people try to come up with a moveset for her, more often than not they come up with a mechanic that involves either chaining or pelting Puyos into the field. I’m gonna do without. Not because I couldn’t come up with one, but because it wouldn’t feel natural. It would come up as a nuisance to include a gimmick like this one in her moveset. Plus, I think we can do better by creating a mix of her appearances in both Puyo AND Madou without having to sacrifice one for the other. WITH THAT OUT OF THE WAY:

Número 1: Her Neutrals, Tilts, Smash Attacks and Aerials.

Jab: Fighter Arle’s Punch and Kick (Puyo Puyo Quest).

Works like: Mario / Luigi / Dr. Mario (jab 2 & 3)

First a punch, then a flipkick. A swift movement, fit for her.

Side Tilt: Finger-pointing (Puyo Puyo Fever era).

Works like: Original

You know this pose. A trademark of her appearances in the modern Puyo Puyo games. Not fast on motion, but could pack a punch.

Up Tilt: Thunder [サンダー] (Puyo Puyo Fever).

Works like: Ness (up tilt)

Some lightning! Inspired by the way she uses Heaven’s Ray in Fever 2, she would raise her arms, unleashing small lightning bolts on the way up.

Down Tilt: Judgement (bomb) (Madou Monogatari I Mega Drive).

Works like: Villager (down tilt)

A small bomb item that explodes in a spark instantly in front of her. No way we’re letting her use such explosives in the game, oh no.

Dash Attack: Escape dash (Madou Monogatari: Saturn).

Works like: Wario (dash attack)

Make way! A straightforward tackle attack. No one will know you were running away.

Forward Smash: Fireball (Blast) (Madou Monogatari: Final Exam).

Works like: Mario / Dr. Mario (forward Smash, attack), Zelda (forward Smash, motion)

Wind up, then unleash one explosive blast!

Up Smash: Judgement [ジュゲム] (Puyo Puyo!! 20th Anniversary).

Works like: Original

Charge up, then unleash a barrage of ascending shocks that end up in one big explosion. The bursts come from the sides, something that hasn’t been seen yet in Smash.

Down Smash: Mind Blast [ブレインダムド] (Puyo Puyo! 15th Anniversary).

Works like: Original

Low on damage, good for shield damage. A wavy spell that wouldn’t deal much knockback. A confusing Smash attack that’s bound to leave some puzzled.

Neutral Air: Counter [リバイア] (Puyo Puyo Chronicles)

Works like: King K. Rool (N-Air)

A quick aerial hit with a special barrier-like effect. Don’t worry, this is not a counter. It’s only to push your foes away.

Forward Air: Fireball (downwards motion) (Puyo Puyo Fever Chuu!)

Works like: Peach / Daisy (F-Air)

A quick fling of her hand forward in mid-air. Could also have a burning effect, who knows!

Back Air: Ice Storm (wave motion) (Puyo Puyo Tetris)

Works like: Corrin (B-Air, no impulse)

A wide motion, unleashing a light wave of ice. Not strong and can’t freeze, but could be a multi-hit.

Up Air: Ruipanko [るいぱんこ] (Puyo Puyo~n)

Works like: King K. Rool (U-Air, no impulse)

A motion up, then a small, quick barrier that hits opponents from below. The barrier can protect you from incoming attacks from above. Could be used as a juggling tool!

Down Air: Guest move: Tempest [アクティーナ] (Puyo Puyo!! 20th Anniversary)

Works like: Zelda (D-Air)

Borrowing a move from one of her friends, it’s Amitie’s Tempest attack. A big spark at the bottom that spikes opponents.

Número 2: Throws, Special Attacks and Final Smash.

Forward Throw: Y E E T (Madou Monogatari: Saturn)

Works like: Mario / Dr. Mario / Luigi (forward throw)

Imagine that you’re that spell that’s flying across the screen. Yep, a heavy throw forwards.

Back Throw: Bayoen (motion) (Puyo Puyo! 15th Anniversary)

Works like: Donkey Kong (back throw)

With a smile and a gleamy face, she flings her foe backwards. The attack could also feature Carbuncle attacking with a laser beam, who knows.

Up Throw: Heaven’s Ray [ヘブンレイ] (Puyo Puyo! 15th Anniversary)

Works like: Original

A toss up with a blast of light that could potentially damage others in the vicinity or above the blast.

Down Throw: Guest move: Algorithm [インテグラル] (Puyo Puyo!! 20th Anniversary)

Works like: Original

Borrowing another move, this time, from Ringo: She would use Carbuncle as a book to slam her foe down! Eh? Nah, don’t worry about the little guy, I’m sure he’s OK.

Neutral Special: Fireball [ファイヤー] (Madou Monogatari: Saturn)

Works like: Plasma Breath (Ridley, wavy motion), Bomb (Young Link, explosive effect, knockback)

This one is the real deal, her trademark spell, Fireball! Pelt one good fireball that explodes on contact. Enemies that get hit by it won’t fly too far, but no one will ever be able to remove the burn. Plus, its wavy pattern makes it hard to avoid.

Side Special: Ice Storm [アイスストーム] (Puyo Puyo!! 20th Anniversary)

Works like: Poison Breath (Piranha Plant, chargeable side-B), Blizzard (Ice Climbers, freezing effect)

Charge up, store, then on command, unleash a wave of icicle sparks that, when fully charged, can freeze you up! Low charges will disappear right away, while a full charge will take longer to dither. A nice tool for edgeguarding when fully charged (I’m getting way ahead of myself, ain’t I).

Up Special: Mind Blast Yo~n [ブレインダムド] (Puyo Puyo~n)

Works like: Thrust Uppercut (Mii Brawler, multihit), Air Slash (Shulk, second, wider hit)

A move that ascends, hits multiple times, then finishes off with a wide attack. That’s another way to use Mind Blast, wouldn’t you know! And, just like the down Smash variation, the first hit will deal big shield damage to shielding opponents.

Down Special: Diacute [ダイアキュート] (Madou Monogatari series)

Works like: Original

Her to-go mechanic and a power-up move, now that’s interesting. Most of them need you to get hit, but not this one. When used, it boosts up your next attack and ONLY your next attack (throws not included). Diacute acts as a chain starter. If your attack lands, you’ll start a chain!

Every succeeding attack you connect (throws not included) increases your chain. You start with a 1.1x increase with the first charge, and with every successfully connected attack, Arle’s power will raise by 0.05 more, to a max. of 1.5x in damage and knockback by chain 7 onwards. But with every connected attack, the time you have to connect the next hit decreases. And if you miss your attack, time runs out, or you get hit during your chain, it’s back to zero. If you need more time, you can use Diacute for a slight time refill, but its effect will be less effective the more you use it.

Final Smash: Bayoen [ばよえ～ん]

Truly, it can’t be any other move, and this one needs no introduction. A wave of H A P P Y that hits around Arle, transporting the unlucky into a field where they’re pelted with all sorts of things, from flowers, to toys, to Nuisance Puyo, even, blasting them away once all is over. Diacute charges do not power up Bayoen though.

Número 3: Aesthetic, colors and other nifty stuff.

Not covered earlier, her defense stances! Most of these are borrowed from Madou: Saturn. From top to bottom, left to right: spot dodge, roll (a sliding dodge), shield, parry, shield-break and air dodge. All taken from animations in her games.

How about, one good UI mockup now? Well, check it out! Her Chain (or Rensa) counter would appear whenever you’d connect combos with Diacute, as displayed before.

EDITOR’S NOTE MAJOR, MAJOR THANKS TO KAITE AGAIN BECAUSE IT’S THANKS TO KAITE THAT I CAN SAY Here’s her alternate colors! Inspired by Olimar and Lucina, every color references another Puyo Puyo character. Some well known, some obscure, and some that are definitely for the fans. Also, I wouldn’t go out and just make colors out of the colors of the Puyo, that’s ridiculous. (by the way I would totally play as green Ally Arle because would you just look at her)

Her design? It could be her Puyo Puyo Champions look, given the fact that it’s the one with the better proportions and the more standard design. However, I was suggested that her appearance could borrow elements from her Puyo Puyo!! Quest design, as it feels like a fusion of almost every Arle design ever. In my opinion, both would work just fine, but one of them has more flair than the other, you know?

And, yes, of course she would wear modesty shorts.

Her voice? The talented Mie Sonozaki for her Japanese version, and the awesome Erica Mendez for the overseas one.

Número 4: Reasons, special thanks and resources used.

If you made it this far, congratulations! I did this to not only release a weight from my soul, but to also partake in the creation of potential movesets. Every time I heard people say Arle wasn’t worthy of joining the fray, I knew I could find a way to include her vast story into a moveset that worked. Is this moveset perfect? Hell, no. It does reference plenty of Arle’s history, yes. But I think that with some good tweaks here and there, it could become something incredible, yes yes.

If this potential moveset sparked your interest, Celerity910 (on Discord) hooked up a pretty nice server to show support for Arle for Smash Bros., and I highly suggest you all to join in if you liked the concept I crafted! I’m pretty sure others have come up with other movesets, so it would be nice to see and compare.

Special thanks to my good Discord friend Kaite20 for helping me crank up this moveset. I couldn’t have done it without you checking and suggesting ideas for it (and also answering back when I needed help the most, you rock). Also, thanks to Marigio300X and TheSpatialWeeg for taking a look at the script before I eventually decided to just slap this here instead. You all were a tremendous help. Special thanks also to the people of Discord at Puyo Meet ‘N Greet, the English Puyo Puyo Community, and the lovely folks at The Edge of Forever for their support.

As for the resources I used for this post:

Puyo Puyo! 15th Anniversary (2007, PSP) - 02 of 22: Arle / アルル [720p60]

Puyo Puyo Tetris English Dub - All Spells (Normal + Alternate Voice)

Puyo Puyo!! 20th Anniversary - All Characters' Spells ( With Subtitles)

Puyo Puyo Fever 2 - Arle Heaven Ray

Madou Monogatari Saturn: Arle Techniques

Madou Monogatari: Final Exam - Part 1 - Floors 1, 2 and 3

Sega Genesis / Mega Drive-Longplay-Madou Monogatari I (J)

Puyo Puyo Chronicle - Animation Montage (Main 24 Characters)

All Default Character Spells - Puyo Puyo 4 (ぷよぷよ〜ん) (Dreamcast)

Puyo Puyo Fever 2 Amitie VS Arle

Arle stock icon by Rafael Mauna (link to his Twitter profile)

Puyo Music, Voice, and Texture Rips on Puyo Nexus

And, of course, FreeGifMaker

Random tip of the day: try not to pop 4 Puyos, who knows what’ll happen. You could get warped to another dimension, or to your bathroom. No one is certain.

©SEGA. 2019.

[jahaanofmenaphos]

Art by the awesome @tommieglenn!

Of Gods and Men Summary:

When the gods returned to Gielinor, their minds were only on one thing: the Stone of Jas, a powerful elder artefact in the hands of Sliske, a devious Mahjarrat who stole it for his own ends and entertainment. He claims to want to incite another god wars, but are his ulterior motives more sinister than that? And can the World Guardian, Jahaan, escape from under Sliske’s shadow?

Read the full work here:

ARCHIVE OF OUR OWN

FANFICTION.NET

TUMBLR CHAPTER INDEX

QUEST 03: LET SLEEPING GODS LIE

QUEST SUMMARY:

Jahaan stumbles upon a newly excavated chamber, one that a charismatic young stranger claims to be where Guthix resides under the earth. However, once this knowledge becomes commonplace, many different factions come to a head, either to protect the sleeping god, wake him, or destroy him…

CHAPTER 2: INVADERS MUST DIE

The two men dove out of the way as a blast of magical energy shot at them, breaking the stone behind where their heads just were. Each of the three creatures seemed to sport a different fighting style, making combat much more of a challenge as they all seemed intent on fighting simultaneously. Seeing Jahaan as the primary threat, they focused their energies on him. The young man darted and dashed between the statues and pillars in the room while Orlando cowered in the corner, praying that if he stood still enough they’d leave him be.

The melee-based monster began smashing the ground in a fury, creating earthquakes that caused Jahaan to lose his footing and tumble to the floor. He just about managed to scurry away before the creature could finish the job and crush him into the dirt beneath them.

Okay, gotta keep distance until that one is dealt with, Jahaan made a mental note to himself, sheathing his sword and quickly removing the quiver of arrows that was sticking up out of his backpack. Removing the longbow from around his shoulders, Jahaan quickly readied an arrow and, briefly poking out from behind his cover, began firing as quickly as he could load the arrows. The ones that hit its stone chest simply bounced off, but the ones that caught the bark that joined its limbs together seemed to cause the creature to falter. It wasn’t until Jahaan eventually (though if he was being honest, accidentally) caught the monster right in its eye did he truly find its weakness.

Jahaan kept his distance as much as possible, thankful that the slow creatures could only lumber towards him. It took almost all of his arrows and a lot of darting around the room to keep cover, but once enough arrows pierced through the creatures glowing eye, the light faded and the beast crumbled to the floor, breaking into hundreds of stone fragments as it fell.

With a satisfied and relieved smile, Jahaan quickly dropped his bow and arrow and unsheathed both his swords this time, charging at the two remaining automatons. Due to their reduced speed, coupled with the fact their attacks were most effective at long range, Jahaan could dash behind them, land a few decent hits, then retreat behind the safety of a pillar to catch his breath, before repeating the attack. The magic-based creature managed to catch him as he was heading back behind cover, sending him scattering to the ground. Thankful for his thick armour, no lasting damage was done and Jahaan could roll back to safety before they could follow up with a more damaging strike. Before long, the range-based automaton crumbled to the floor like its companion, leaving only the magic attacker for Jahaan to destroy.

If I catch his eye, he’s history, Jahaan reminded himself, hatching a plan. A dumb plan, as it involved going right into the line of fire, but a plan nonetheless. Dropping his sword to the ground, Jahaan took the small runite dagger from his belt and began weaving his way towards the automaton. After a few close shaves, he found himself in range and, with a mighty leap, swung and pierced the dagger right through the creatures eye. It recoiled, groaning in distress, before falling to its knees and crumbling into small fragments.

Once the final creature was defeated, the alarm ceased. The silence was beautiful.

Jahaan brushed himself off, trying to catch his breath.

“Wow, that was awesome, mate! Yes sir, yes it was!” Orlando exclaimed, bounding up to him. “The way you took ‘em down, oh boy, it was the stuff of mighty warriors, yes it was!”

Too exhausted to fully appreciate the ego boost, Jahaan could only manage a small smile, requesting, “Would you mind collecting my arrows? I might need them again.”

All-too happy to be of assistance, Orlando leapt to his task while Jahaan reclined against one of the statues. After putting away his arrows and gathering up his sword and bow, the two men made towards the door at the far end of the room. A small part of Jahaan regretted ever agreeing to be this archaeologist’s bodyguard - it clearly wasn’t good for his health - but a large part of him couldn’t help but be enthralled in the mystery they were uncovering. It was the only thing stopping him from turning back now and going to fish in the comfort of Catherby.

The grand door opened as soon as they approached. With a hand on his sword, Jahaan stepped through first, scouting the surroundings. After a full minute of utter silence, nothing seemed to be trying to kill them, so they deemed it safe to pass through.

However, as soon as they crossed the centre threshold on their way to the next doorway, a large green snake teleported into the room, its golden eyes in narrow slits, glaring daggers at them. Jahaan recognized the being from the carvings earlier in the tomb, realising the serpent standing before them must be Juna, a Guardian of Guthix.

Juna slithered forward, poised and ready to attack, ordering, “Leave now. You will go no further.”

Then, a skeletal hooded figure, draped in black, gripping a menacing scythe, teleported beside her. It was none other than Death himself.

Death drifted between them, his hands out in a calming manner. “Hold, Juna. I know this human. He is Jahaan Alsiyad-Abut, friend of Icthlarin of the Underworld, and thus a friend of mine. What are you doing here, Jahaan?”

“We came here looking for Guthix,” Jahaan informed. Then, it hit him. “I take it… wow. If you’re here, that means that this really is Guthix’s resting place.”

“It is,” Death confirmed. “We are here to protect him from those that would do him harm.”

“We ain’t here to hurt him, no sir!” Orlando maintained. Death seemed to furrow a brow at the excitable young man. Feeling like he’d forgotten his manners, Orlando hopped forward, his hand outstretched. “Name’s Orlando by the way. I’m the archeologist that helped discover this here cave, yes I did. Nice to meet ya, Death! Heard a lot about your work.”

Glancing at Orlando’s hand, Death pointedly ignored him and returned his focus back to Jahaan. “How did the doors open for you? No-one should be able to gain entry.”

“It must be Guthix’s doing,” Juna stated, a hiss to her words. “Nothing we have time to dwell on now. We do not have long. You must leave, humans.”

“Wait, not long before what?” Jahaan queried, now slightly worried.

Death explained, “This place has been undisturbed for thousands of years. When you entered, the Sword of Edicts began transmitting once more.”

A lump grew in Jahaan’s throat. “That alarm we set off in the cavern… it’s coming from the Sword?”

“Yes, the sword is transmitting. It has been since you triggered the system in Guthix's chambers. It's communicating with the stone circles across the world. When they were created, the stone circles were all in Guthixian hands; it would have been a very effective defense system.”

Orlando cried, “But they're not all in Guthixian hands now, no sir!”

“Indeed,” Juna acknowledged. “It will not be long until this chamber is invaded by our enemies. Guthix cannot be disturbed.”

“Would it be so bad if Guthix were to wake up?” Jahaan asked, cautiously.

Death replied, gravely, “Guthix has been asleep for so long. Even we - his closest followers - cannot predict how he would react to the world in its current state. The last time he awoke was… dramatic.”

“And if he died?” Orlando piped up, his tone too cheery to be believed. Death, Juna and Jahaan just stopped and stared at him for a moment, as if regarding a child.

“If he were to be killed,” Juna shuddered, faintly but noticeably. “Perish the thought… the edicts Guthix bestowed upon this world would cease to be, allowing the lesser gods to return to Gielinor. If that were to happen, another God Wars would undoubtedly commence, tearing the world apart once more.”

“We can’t let that happen,” Jahaan stated, his hand clutched around the grip of his sword. “It’s sorta my fault Guthix’s chamber was uncovered in the first place, so I’ll help to protect it.”

“Thank you, Jahaan,” Death said, “Icthlarin was right about you. You are a good man.”

Juna added, “And if he is here to protect our lord, then we have a common goal.”

Suddenly, Juna’s neck straightened to the ceiling and her eyes started glowing red. Taken aback, Jahaan and Orlando scurried next to Death, but he assured them everything was alright, explaining that Juna was getting a vision...

An imposing manor located east of Trollweiss Mountain, in the depths of the Wilderness, was the dark fort of the mighty Zemouregal, a powerful Mahjarrat servant of Zamorak.

Inside his private chambers, Zemouregal was staring intently into the mirror, practicing different variations of a scowl.

“No, too theatrical… too cliched…” he muttered to himself, shaking his head before trying another. “Well, now I just look like a horse.”

The winged abomination by the name of Sharathteerk barged the chamber, flanked by two dark robed humans; snapping around, Zemouregal's face seemed to be frozen on the horse-scowl, causing the robed humans to cower.

“Who gave you permission to enter?!” Zemouregal scolded, thankful his complexion didn’t allow his blush to be visible.

“M-My lord, I sincerely apologise, but this could not wait!” After bowing deeply, Sharathteerk announced, “My lord! The wizards have most intriguing news.”

Irritated at being bothered so late in the day, and still mildly embarrassed, Zemouregal urged, “Well? Speak quickly, welps. What is it?”

One of the dark wizards stammered in response, “S-s-sire, the circle. The stone circle at Varrock - it was glowing.”

Unable to look Zemouregal in the eye, the other one nervously continued, “And it let out such a sound! A great wailing, as if the stone itself were crying out! What does it mean, sire? Is Zamorak calling to us?”

“A wailing…” Zemouregal pondered. “This is beyond you. Be gone, and tell no one of this.”

After deep bows, the two dark wizards hurried to teleport away.

Sharathteerk was elated, in a maniacal way, at least, as he exclaimed, “You know what this means, sire! The alarm of the ancient chamber! Someone has discovered-”

“Guthix's refuge…” Zemouregal finished. “Never in my years did I think it possible. Sharatheerk, instruct the wizards to trace the signal to its source at once. And use any methods in your repertoire to ensure they work quickly. Guthix's edicts stop our Lord Zamorak returning. Imagine the glory of destroying Guthix, of breaking the edicts and bringing back Zamorak himself! Ha, that’ll show her!”

Sharathteerk furrowed his brows. “Who is ‘her’, my lord?”

“Um, n-nothing!” Zemouregal clenched his fists, trying to regain some semblance of his imposing and terrifying presence. “What are you waiting for? We must act with all haste! Go, now!”

Beneath the surface of Gielinor lies the so-called 'God Wars' caverns. There, generals of the gods continue the battle that was started thousands of years ago, oblivious to the passing of time. One such general was Commander Zilyana of Saradomin’s army.

A mage had informed her of the activities of the stone circles, causing Zilyana to gather two of her most trusted warriors as they set off from the dungeon of eternal warfare and towards Guthix’s final resting place.

“By Saradomin's word, we fly! Guthix will be destroyed, in the name of honour. For the return of our glorious Saradomin!”

The cheers of her army chorused as she flew off into the skies.

Juna’s head snapped back down to face them. “They’re on their way. Death, Contact the Void Knights. See if they can send a regiment over soon, though I fear by the time they arrive it will be too late. Time is of the essence. I will contact as many of the Guardians of Guthix as I can.”

“We must get into the Inner Sanctum,” Death stated. “However, the walls of the Inner Sanctum are impenetrable with magic. We can teleport no further. We must find a way to open this door, and I believe this contraption may be the way to do it.”

There was a small stone plinth beside the doorway with carvings of runes and other ancient languages scrawled onto it. It was the only noteworthy thing inside the chamber, so powers of deduction meant that it didn’t take much for them to figure out that this would open the door.

Or at least, so they thought.

Death placed his hands on the stone panel, but nothing seemed to happen - no light, no sound, no movement. Furrowing his brow, Death grew frustrated. “I do not comprehend.”

Orlando’s shoulders sagged. “How come you don’t know how to work this here thing? Ain’t you supposed to be some Guthix guardian or whatnot?”

“I am,” Death growled, backing off from the panel. “I do not understand why there is no reaction to my touch. Something should be occurring.”

Realising Juna was slightly limb-challenged, Jahaan took it upon himself to try and operate the control panel next. However, when he placed his hands on it, the panel started glowing and growing warmer. When he tried to move his hands, he found he was trapped, like he had been fused to the contraption.

Initially, he began to panic, until Juna calmed him down, explaining, “Do not fear. This is all as Guthix wills it.”

A green light engulfed Jahaan as he rose and then returned to the surface. As this was happening, the door to the Inner Sanctum opened.

Feeling fuzzy all over, Jahaan examined himself. “What… what just happened?”

“Guthix has given you his blessing,” Cres answered from the doorway of the Inner Sanctum. He looked similar to the automatons from before, only with glowing green symbols carved into his rocky chest. “He has chosen you as one of his creatures, a Guardian of Guthix.”

“An honour indeed,” a voice from behind them commented. Turning around, the group noticed a small group of white-robed figures had teleported into the previous room. Leading them, a decedent looking druid wearing a crown of leaves.

“Kaqemeex. I am so glad you could make it in time,” Death breathed a sigh of relief. “We are short on numbers as it stands.”

“Guthix be with you, Guardians,” he bowed his head slightly. “I have been in contact with the Valluta. She will be accompanied only by a small regiment, but arriving soon. There is a pest onslaught at present and she cannot spare the numbers.”

“Can’t spare the numbers for THIS?!” Jahaan cried, bewildered and outraged.

Kaqemeex shot him a look. “What good is a world overrun, hm? No. We will fight with what we have. We are stronger than our enemy, and we have Guthix on our side.”

“You have me too!” a chirpy voice came from the doorway. Turning to see its origin, Jahaan recognised it as belonging to Chaeldar, the highest slayer master in all of Gielinor, who just so happened to be a fairy.

Juna smiled. “It is good to see you again, Chaeldar.”

“And I,” Thaerisk, accompanied by his own druids, hurried into the chamber. When he saw Jahaan, he did a quick double-take. “My, we appear to be running into each other rather often, Jahaan.”

Wryly, Jahaan smiled. “I wish it were under better circumstances. Nice to see you again, Thaerisk.”

“Well, aren’t we just a ragtag bunch, set to defend the mighty Guthix, yes we are!” Orlando cheered. Everyone responded by giving him a look that screamed ‘shut up Orlando’, but no-one wasted their breath on the actual words.

Over the next few minutes, a handful more Guardians emerged, but not nearly as many as they would have liked. Morale was already at an all-time low when a large crash rocked the room.

“What was that?!” Orlando cried.

The Valluta, a giant tortoise and spiritual leader of the Void Knights, exclaimed, “They're breaking in already!”

Kaqemeex fretted, “We're sitting in the open. We have no organization!”

Stepping into the centre of the circle, Jahaan enthused, “Hold up, everyone. Think of it like this: if they’re already here then - like us - they wouldn’t have had much time to cobble together a formidable offence. All we have to do is hold them off this one time, and we can be better prepared with more defenders if they come back again. Guthix will be safe. We can do this.”

Death nodded. “Jahaan is right. We cannot have come this far to be defeated before the battle has even begun.”

Fiara, a giant earwig charged with defending the Fist of Guthix, declared, “We will stand and fight! For Guthix!”

“For Guthix!” the room chorused, those who had weapons drawing them in readiness.

“That's the spirit!” Jahaan cheered. “We'll show them what we're made of! First, we need to be prepared for them. Cres what can you tell me about this chamber? Any weak points? Resources we could use?”

Closing his eyes, Cres focused for a moment before replying, “My creations inform me that the points of breakthrough will be in the storage wings. That is where the loud crash came from earlier. There are four of them adjacent to this chamber, and the enemy will reach them first. They are smaller rooms than this. If we meet the enemy there, we will make a better defence.”

“Perfect. We should split up to defend each wing. Cres, you take your creations to one. Fiara and the Valluta, another. Chaeldar and Thaerisk, you'll need to work together. Death, Kaqemeex and the rest of you to the last. I'll help wherever I’m needed,” Jahaan organised, clutching tightly onto both his swords.

Kaqemeex frowned. “I’m afraid that, unlike Thaerisk, my druids and I have very little prowess in battle. We would be more of a hindrance than a help. We’ll remain in the main chamber, a last line of defence, where we can use the plant life around and the herbs we have brought with us to mix some healing potions.”

Jahaan nodded firmly. “Then I’ll team with Death.”

“I should stay in the main chamber to guard the passageway itself,” Juna declared. “Then if we-”

Another earthquake cut through the room, breaking Juna's speech mid-breath.

“No time for further deliberating,” Death summoned his mighty scythe. “Now, we fight! For Guthix!”

DISCLAIMER:

As Of Gods and Men is a reimagining, retelling and reworking of the Sixth Age, a LOT of dialogue/characters/plotlines/etc. are pulled right from the game itself, and this belongs to Jagex.

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